Engineering Research Centers Awarded $55.5M to Innovate in Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Three new centers to address significant national needs: health and environmental monitoring, mobile computing and energy technologies, and electromagnetic components

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded $55.5 million to university consortia to establish three new Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) that will advance interdisciplinary nanosystems research and education in partnership with industry.

Over the next five years, these Nanosystems ERCs, or NERCS, will advance knowledge and create innovations that address significant societal issues, such as the human health and environmental implications of nanotechnology. At the same time, they will advance the competitiveness of U.S. industry. The centers will support research and innovation in electromagnetic systems, mobile computing and energy technologies, nanomanufacturing, and health and environmental sensing.

"The Nanosystems ERCs will build on more than a decade of investment and discoveries in fundamental nanoscale science and engineering," said Thomas Peterson, NSF's assistant director for engineering. "Our understanding of nanoscale phenomena, materials and devices has progressed to a point where we can make significant strides in nanoscale components, systems and manufacturing."

Since 1985, NSF's ERC program has fostered extensive collaborations to create technological breakthroughs for new products and services and to prepare U.S. engineering graduates for successful participation in the global economy.

The three centers launched this year, as part of the third generation of NSF ERCs, place increased emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships with small research firms in translational research, education of an innovative engineering workforce, and international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The NERCs are expected to create transformational science and engineering platforms for the respective fields of nanoscale research, education, and innovation. As appropriate to its particular areas of research, each NERC will include the societal and environmental implications of the nano-enabled scientific and technological breakthroughs.

"The Nanosystems ERCs will help bring the technological advantages that nanotechnology offers to a broad array of U.S. industries," said Lynn Preston, the leader of the ERC program, "and they will provide young engineers with valuable experience in research and entrepreneurship, positioning them to be leaders in emerging areas of the global economy."

Including the new awards, NSF supports 20 ERCs in the areas of biotechnology and health care; energy, sustainability and infrastructure; manufacturing; and microelectronics, sensing and information technology. Brief descriptions of the new centers follow.

The NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technology (ASSIST), led by North Carolina State University, will create self-powered wearable systems that simultaneously monitor a person's environment and health, in search of connections between exposure to pollutants and chronic diseases.

The NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanomanufacturing Systems for Mobile Computing and Mobile Energy Technologies (NASCENT), led by the University of Texas at Austin, will pursue high-throughput, reliable, and versatile nanomanufacturing process systems, and will demonstrate them through the manufacture of mobile nanodevices.

The NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Translational Applications of Nanoscale Multiferroic Systems (TANMS), led by the University of California Los Angeles, will seek to reduce the size and increase the efficiency of components and systems whose functions rely on the manipulation of either magnetic or electromagnetic fields.

The NERCs will link with the resources of NSF's Network for Computational Nanotechnology as the main cyber-platform for dissemination of computational and simulation tools and educational materials. Additionally, the centers will leverage the experimental resources of the NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network.

The NERCs will be a part of NSF's contributions to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which is a government-wide activity designed to ensure that investments in this area are made in a coordinated and timely manner and to accelerate the pace of revolutionary nanotechnology discoveries. A long-term view for nanotechnology research and education needs is documented in the 2010 NSF/WTEC report, "Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020."

 -NSF-

Army Engineers Helping To Protect Against Chemical & Biological Warfare

A U.S. Army engineer is bringing the expertise of America’s military scientific community to ensure America’s allies are safe from chemical and biological agents.

Jorge Christian, with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, uses his 27 years of experience in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection to provide the best equipment for American soldiers as well as international partners.

SCIENCE SURROUNDS THE SOLDIER

Christian serves as chief of RDECOM’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s Protection Engineering Division within the Engineering Directorate. He supports individual and collective protection through his expertise in engineering life cycle acquisition and technical support.

After graduating from the University of Puerto Rico in 1984 with a bachelor of science in industrial engineering, he began as an Army intern in the School of Engineering and Logistics in Texarkana, Texas.

“When I was in school, I geared myself to use science and math perhaps in industry,” he said. “It never occurred to me that the Army would allow me the opportunity to use science and math. To my surprise, once I got here to the Army, I began to see how there were practical ways in which science and math were being used.”

Science and math are inherent in everything that a soldier wears or uses, including protective masks and suits, respirators and agent detectors, he said.

“All [the equipment] has elements of science and math, from the material, to engineering, to how we will sustain the equipment in order to ensure it meets the requirements,” he said.

Christian earned a master of business administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 1985 and then worked as a test director for Aberdeen Test Center, formerly known as Combat Systems Test Activity, at APG. In 1988, he transferred to ECBC’s Detection Directorate as a producibility engineer before transitioning to the Physical Protection Directorate in 1992.

SHARING CBRN EXPERTISE

Christian emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and cooperation in countering the threat of CBRN attacks. He serves as head of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Joint CBRN Defense Capabilities Development Group, Physical Protection Sub-group, which is responsible for developing and maintaining operational and technical standards for individual and collective protection materiel for NATO nations.

“My role is to ensure that the position of the United States, especially that of the Army and ECBC, transitions into the working aspects of the group,” he said. “One of the key roles that I play is the lead for many of the technical engineering publications that are pertinent to the area of individual and collective protection.”

The expertise of U.S. military scientists and engineers in CBRN matters is essential for the international community’s preparation against threats, Christian said.

“It is important for the United States to collaborate with other nations, allied nations as well as those within NATO, to counter the threat of the use of chemical warfare agents because the U.S. is at the forefront of providing capabilities, knowledge and expertise,” he said. “The threat of chemical and biological agents is one that is now global.

“We have seen a number of countries that that not only have the capability but also have the interest of harming others, including Americans. It is very important that we, together with other nations, leverage resources to ensure all the best capabilities [are] available to Warfighters and civilians to protect themselves in the event they face a chemical attack.”

ADVANCING CBRN PROTECTION

The Protection Engineering Division, which Christian leads, supports the mission of the Joint Project Manager for Protection and TACOM-Life Cycle Management Command, Chemical Biological Product Support Integration Directorate. The division provides life cycle acquisition, engineering and sustainment support to these customers.

Key examples of the work include the generation of acquisition documentation, development of technical data and the review of equipment performance by analyzing technical data packages, product acceptance data and performance specifications.

“We ensure the equipment performs the way it is expected in the area of individual and collective protection [by] reviewing technical data, corrections to the equipment as we see it is appropriate, and also working hand-in-hand with the manufacturers to ensure that the corrections are made and equipment continues to be producible, sustainable, and survivable,” he said.

Christian described the advancements made by ECBC scientists and engineers for soldier protection against CBRN hazards. His division is responsible for individual protection, including respirators and respirator filters, and collective protection, including filtration; barrier material; contamination control areas; and fixed-site, mobile, and transportable shelters.

“We’re looking at lighter weight, low-burden types of materials on suits,” he said. “As we go forward looking at the transition of better respirators, the ones we have fielded, like those in the Joint Service General Purpose Masks, provide technologies that allow for better eyesight, less resistance, more [comfort], more efficient drinking and communication systems, as well as an excellent platform that is suitable for the transition to advance technologies as they mature.

“In the area of collective protection [for soft-walled shelters and tents], we are looking at lighter material that can serve as a barrier by itself or also having a capability of [being] self-detoxifying. That type of material will provide the added capability that will not require a separate liner-barrier material [added to the standard shelter or tent] to protect the Warfighter in that toxic-free area. In the area of filtration, we are looking at new absorbents that are going to be more flexible than the standard carbon that we [now] use and [that] also can be tailored to the specific toxic industrial chemical.”

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW IN THE ARMY

Christian, a native of Puerto Rico, said he is appreciative of the chance to contribute to the missions of ECBC and the Army. He also praised the opportunities for advancement within the Army.

“As a minority in ECBC, I truly believe that this organization has given me all the opportunities that I could imagine,” he said. “Along the way, I received the support of many mentors who cared about me and allowed me to grow.”

“I never felt any kind of barriers. Instead, a number of doors opened that allowed me to become the person I am today. I consider ECBC my home. I truly believe I have more to offer and the road doesn’t end for me here. We have a mission to accomplish, and I believe that I can be one of the key players to get it done.

By Mr. Dan Lafontaine (RDECOM)

 Information for this article provided by www.army.mil

The Newest Thing In IED Defeating Technology

Military combat engineers and civilian technical experts gathered recently to conduct a series of experiments aimed at providing soldiers with new technology in the counter-improvised explosive device fight.

A diverse group of scientists, trainers and soldiers from across the country — including soldiers of 3rd Battalion (Engineer), 364th Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade,”Task Force Rampant,” Division West — spent five days testing and evaluating the HUSKY Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection Cause and Effect System trainer, known as the HMDS-CES.

The HMDS-CES was designed to replicate a critical detection capability currently used in the route clearance mission in Afghanistan.

Prior to the HMDS-CES, soldiers had to wait until they arrived in Afghanistan to train on this critical route clearance system. With the HMDS-CES, soldiers will be able to conduct highly realistic training before deploying overseas.

Once fielded, this advanced counter-improvised explosive device, or C-IED, trainer will be used by the 5th Armored Brigade to train Army Reserve and Army National Guard route clearance units.

“This new system will enhance the training we provide to soldiers as they train for deployment to Afghanistan,” said Master Sgt. Warner Stadler, a senior route clearance trainer in the 3rd Battalion (Engineer), 364th Regiment. “When they arrive in country and fall in on the live system, they will become ready to conduct the critically important route clearance mission in a short period of time with minimal additional training.”

With the trainer’s high-tech “cause-and-effect” system that simulates improvised explosive device, or IED, warnings, soldiers will be able to train in conditions that replicate the Afghanistan theater of operations without fear of damaging an expensive live system.

“The CES system has many of the same features as the live system,” said Staff Sgt. Johnathan Jacoba, an observer controller/trainer with 3rd Battalion (Engineer), 364th Regiment, and an experienced Sapper with recent combat experience in Afghanistan. “This system improves the operator’s field of vision and also aids in detecting threats near the vehicle.”

The new trainer also simulates explosions when operators fail to respond to critical warnings or indicators.

“This greatly enhances training and will save soldiers’ lives,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Lindquist, a Task Force Rampant HUSKY operator and trainer. “The Cause and Effect trainer is a great improvement to the current surrogate trainer because it provides feedback similar to the live system.”

At the conclusion of the week-long experiment, Alfred Myers, the organizer and member of the Joint IED Test Board, thanked the scientists, engineers and soldiers who made the testing successful. “The support provided by Task Force Rampant and the soldiers at Fort Bliss (Texas) was outstanding,” he said.

Participants in the HMDS-CES evaluation also came from the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, the Research and Development Command, Program Manager Explosive Ordnance Development and Counter-Mine, White Sands Missile Range, N.M., Program Executive Office — Simulations Training and Instrumentation, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and the United States Army Evaluation Center.

“This experiment was a great opportunity to bring all of the key stakeholders together to test and evaluate an important system,” Stadler said. “Developing training systems with soldier input is critical to getting first-hand experience into the hands of the developers.”

By Lt. Col. Aaron Dorf and Maj. Steve Bruner, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

From www.army.mil

Engineers Pursue Flexible Electronics, Self-folding Structures and Controlled Photosynthesis on a Grand Scale

Collaborative engineering awards will explore new frontiers to advance health care, manufacturing and energy

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced 15 Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) grants for fiscal year 2012, awarding nearly $30 million to 68 investigators at 26 institutions.

During the next four years, teams of researchers will pursue transformative, fundamental research in three emerging areas: flexible electronic systems that can better interface with the body; design of self-folding materials and structures; and optimizing large-scale chemical production from photosynthesis. Results from this research promise to improve human health, engineering design and manufacturing, and energy sustainability.

Flexible bioelectronics systems

Four EFRI research teams will pursue biocompatible electronic systems that offer new capabilities for health care. Integrating microelectronics with conformable substrates, these flexible bioelectronics systems will interact seamlessly with the body to advance medical monitoring, detection and/or treatment in a patient-friendly form.

EFRI BioFlex researchers will investigate novel devices and flexible materials, interfaces between devices and biological materials, and approaches to systems integration. Successful new concepts will also meet the challenges of biocompatability, weight, power consumption, scalability and cost. The projects aim to transform cancer screening, wound healing and emergency identification of toxins and bacteria.

"These four projects could lead to significant improvements in patient care," said Usha Varshney, the coordinating EFRI program officer for BioFlex. "The teams will also contribute advanced scalability techniques so that, in the future, flexible bioelectronics systems can be widely available at low cost."

Origami design for self-assembling systems

A second set of EFRI research teams will explore the folding and unfolding of materials and structures to create self-assembling and multifunctional systems. The eight projects funded will build on principles and patterns from the art of origami in order to design structures that can transition between two and three dimensions. In the process, the researchers will also address challenges in modeling complex designs and behaviors, in shifting from small to large scales and in working with active, or "smart," materials.

Active materials can change their shape, size and/or physical properties with changes in temperature, pressure, electro-magnetic fields or other aspects of their environment. With such materials, the EFRI researchers plan to create entire structures and systems out of single pieces that are flexible, elastic and resilient. With new theory and understanding, the researchers aim to predict and even program the behavior and capabilities of the origami designs.

"Engineers, scientists, artists and mathematicians will pursue profound collaboration to discover how to design single structures that can collapse and deploy and even change functions as desired," said Clark Cooper, who coordinated the origami design awards with fellow program officer Christina Bloebaum. "These eight awards could initiate a transformation in design and manufacturing, impacting technologies as diverse as information storage, space structures and medical devices."

Photosynthetic biorefineries

A third set of EFRI research teams will investigate the large-scale use of micro-organisms that harness solar energy to produce chemicals and fuels from carbon dioxide. Some single-celled algae, for example, use photosynthesis to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide and water into lipids and hydrocarbons. However, the realization of photosynthetic "biorefineries" that could accomplish this process on an industrial scale must first overcome significant challenges, including low productivity, large-scale feasibility and environmental sustainability.

The researchers will investigate the optimization of micro-organisms themselves and their growing conditions to produce easily processed hydrocarbon chemicals in large quantities. The researchers also will explore ways to obtain a variety of value-added compounds, whether by using an array of micro-organisms or by combining biological processes with chemical catalysis. Each project will pursue efficiency and sustainability in a number of ways, for example, through the use of wastewater as a low-cost nutrient source for the micro-organisms. All three of the teams funded will be studying the photosynthetic biorefineries as large and complex systems.

"Having robust scaling and control principles using a systems approach is critical to making photosynthetic biorefineries of the future productive and efficient," said George Antos, the coordinating program officer for these EFRI projects. "Using photosynthetic biorefineries as a significant source of chemicals and fuels would not only reduce greenhouse gases, but it would enhance the nation's energy security, as these products are currently made mainly from petroleum. Oil from algae is a reality, however there is much fundamental science that needs to be done before a true industry is founded, and these EFRI researchers will help make that happen."

The fiscal 2012 EFRI topics were developed with strong input from the research community and in close collaboration between the NSF Directorate for Engineering and the NSF Directorates for Biological Sciences and Mathematical and Physical Sciences. NSF also coordinated closely with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Department of Energy. AFOSR contributed to the funding of all origami design projects.

"Through their collaborations, the EFRI research teams will initiate new lines of inquiry and provide creative and exciting educational opportunities for young students," said Sohi Rastegar, director of the EFRI program. Beginning with the fiscal year 2012 awards, EFRI projects must provide more specific plans that enhance participation of underrepresented groups in the field of engineering and in engineering research.

Rastegar continued, "If we want to have a competitive edge for achieving innovative outcomes, it is imperative to bring to the table ideas from creative individuals from all segments of society. EFRI teams are committed to working with undergraduate and high school students and with new partners, such as teachers and museums, to help more people engage in and appreciate the exciting possibilities from research."

EFRI, established by the NSF Directorate for Engineering in 2007, seeks high-risk, interdisciplinary research that has the potential to transform engineering and other fields. The grants demonstrate the EFRI goal to inspire and enable researchers to expand the limits of our knowledge

Project summaries

Summaries of the four EFRI projects on Flexible Bioelectronics (BioFlex) Systems are found on the EFRI BioFlex Awards page.

Summaries of the eight EFRI projects on Origami Design for Integration of Self-assembling Systems for Engineering Innovation (ODISSEI) are found on the EFRI ODISSEI Awards page.

Summaries of the three EFRI projects on Photosynthetic Biorefineries (PSBR) are found on the EFRI PSBR Awards page.

-NSF-